AUSTIN, May 20, 2014 - Texas employers expanded their payrolls by 64,100 jobs in April for a total of 348,000 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs added over the year. Texas’ unemployment rate fell to 5.2 percent in April, down from 5.5 percent in March and down from 6.4 percent a year ago.

“April was a robust month for Texas job growth; the unemployment rate continues to fall and we posted the highest monthly job growth in well over three years,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Andres Alcantar. “With all 11 major industries adding jobs over the year, I encourage job seekers to visit Workforce Solutions offices around the state and seize the opportunities created by Texas employers.”

Over the month, eight of the 11 major industries in Texas experienced positive growth. Employment in Professional and Business Services grew by 20,100 positions, the largest monthly increase ever recorded for this industry.

“We’re fortunate in Texas to see significant growth across several industries,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Trade, Transportation, and Utilities is one example of this encouraging trend, adding 16,300 positions in April—the most in the industry in over 20 years.”

Education and Health Services grew by 8,100 positions in April. The Mining and Logging industry added 7,600 jobs over the month and continued to post the highest annual growth rate of all major industries in Texas, at 7.5 percent. Construction added 7,500 positions in April, the strongest monthly increase for the industry since July 2011.
“April’s robust job growth, driven by our private sector employers, is more welcome news for all Texans,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Hope Andrade.

“Texas is a state that continues to welcome new employers and work with our homegrown businesses, offering them the workforce tools they need to grow and succeed.”

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest April unemployment rate in the state at 2.3 percent. The Odessa MSA had the second lowest at 2.9 percent and the Amarillo MSA was third at 3.3 percent (not seasonally adjusted).
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